Unemployment in Morocco a ‘time bomb’

Forty per cent of urban dwellers in Morocco are unemployed causing frustration and popular discontent which experts have warned are a “time bomb”.

Seven years after the February 20 Movement which called for reforms, a new constitution, a more democratic government, basic human rights and an improvement of quality of life, the Kingdom continues to be shaken by protests led by unemployed young people, Slate Afrique reported.

By the end of 2017, Morocco recorded an unemployment rate of 10.2 per cent compared to 9.9 per cent last year. These figures mainly include young people aged 15-24 years (26.5 per cent). Some 42.8 per cent of the urban population is unemployed, according to data published last week by the High Commission for Planning.

Weak regional productivity and a high dropout rate from schools are the reasons for the rise in numbers, economist Ahmed Lahlimi Alami said. He added that families are not encouraged to invest in their children’s education because of the lack of available jobs.